FIA to present Halo cockpit design

Mercedes Halo Concept

The FIA will put forward their preferred solution to the cockpit protection issue on Friday at a meeting of technical directors according to Autosport.com

There were originally three ideas the FIA were investigating before putting forward any plans. The first known as the AFP-V2, it would involve an updated version of a roll cage on the nose of the car, with three additional protruding blades designed to deflect debris.

The second was a centreline roll hoop made up of three bars that would run from the front bulkhead and connect with the air intake above the driver’s head.

The third option and the one believed to be the FIA’s preferred option is the Halo design that was put forward by Mercedes in August last following calls to improve safety after the deaths of Jules Bianchi and Justin Wilson. The FIA is expected to unveil the results of its test of the Halo design on Friday as well as their plans on how to implement the introduction of this as soon as possible.

The FIA would like to see this on all Formula One cars for the 2017 season but whilst huge progress has been made in limiting the amount of damage caused by debris there are still various concerns surrounding the ability of this design to absorb energy from large debris like wheels or nose cones. There have also been concerns raised by drivers who believe the implementation of this Halo system would impact on their view when looking up through uphill turns.

Even if this design does receive the go ahead it is unlikely we will see the same design on every car as each team has their own ideas on how to make the cockpit the safer. We are more likely to see various versions based on this Halo design created and tested by various teams to fit their respective cars.

At least, we are one step closer to making Formula One that bit safer.